Police investigate trashing of Balboa Park's lily pond

The iconic lily pond in Balboa Park was damaged by squirt gun toting revelers early Sunday Morning, leaving the ponds plants and fish damaged and in some cases dead. By early Monday morning, crews had removed most of the debris left by the vandals. The recently planted south end of the lily pond was heavily damaged.
— John Gibbins

The iconic lily pond in Balboa Park was damaged by squirt gun toting revelers early Sunday Morning, leaving the ponds plants and fish damaged and in some cases dead. By early Monday morning, crews had removed most of the debris left by the vandals. The recently planted south end of the lily pond was heavily damaged.
— John Gibbins

Last year’s water-gun fight took place without incident, Long said. LoMedico said her staff was not even aware that gathering took place.

According to the cached Facebook page where this year’s event was advertised, seven people were named as organizers. The posting directed people to meet at the large Bea Evenson fountain in front of the San Diego Natural History Museum. That fountain has been turned off since Thursday, LoMedico said.

The listing also encouraged people to wear ‘Wacky outfits, crazy costumes, tiny swimsuits, body paint, etc,” and went on to say that the organizers hoped to have more than 100 people participate.

Permits are required at Balboa Park for events with 75 or more people, but social media events, including flash mobs and critical mass events, tend to blur those lines and need to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Long said.

“It is not against the law to have a water-gun fight,” he said. “It is against to the law to vandalize property.”

LoMedico said this should be a cautionary tale for people advertising an event on social media because they neither know exactly who will show up nor have control over those who do.

The police department was alerted at 6 a.m. Sunday, when someone called to report the damage at the lily pond.

No suspects have been named. Those who did the actual vandalism could face charges, Long said. He urged anyone who was at the park to “be responsible” and call police with information. Detective Allie Lennier is working on the case and can be reached at (619) 744-9596.

LoMedico said several people have expressed an interest in donating money to the park to help restore the pond. To make contributions, call (619) 232-2282 or visit the Friends of Balboa Park website.

Another website set up earlier will turn over funds already collected to that group.

One anonymous donor has given $500. So far, the overall donations tally by 2 p.m. was $3,725.

The lily reflecting pool, called “Laguna de las Flores,” was built for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition and is one of the most photographed sites in the park. During World War I, it was used to teach new sailors rowing and swimming. And during World War II, it was used for physical therapy for wounded soldiers, according to a monument at the park.